When UConn has the ball: As expected, UConn ran more than it passed against Wagner, handing off to Kevin Mensah and Art Thompkins a total of 53 times in the win. The Huskies will likely try a similar strategy against Illinois, though if they fall behind early they may be forced to have quarterback Mike Beaudry throw more often. It will help that UConn could have several top receivers back from injury Saturday.

When Illinois has the ball: UConn largely shut down Wagner last week, but Illinois poses an entirely different challenge. With key returning players, plus graduate transfers from Alabama, Michigan and USC, the Illini have loads of weapons on offense and ample potential for big plays. In a season-opening blowout over Akron, six different Illinois players rushed for at least 25 yards, signalling both depth and talent.

UConn impact player on offense: Ardell Brown did not play against Wagner due to a minor injury, but the grad transfer receiver says he’s healthy and ready to take the field against Illinois. After dominating the Division II level last year, Brown could be UConn’s top pass-catcher in 2019, with a combination of speed and savvy that few Huskies can match. Given the team’s lack of depth and experience at wide receiver, Brown will be essential on Saturday and beyond.

UConn impact player on defense: UConn’s entire defense looked much improved last week, but no one saw better results than sophomore defensive lineman Lwal Uguak, who recorded both of the team’s sacks, after collecting none in 2018. To have a chance against Illinois, the Huskies will need to pressure quarterback Brandon Peters, and Uguak might be the best candidate to do so.

UConn impact player on special teams: After winning a preseason competition, placekicker Clayton Harris converted his only field goal attempt against Wagner, a 30-yarder. With a strong performance Saturday, he will strengthen his hold on the starting job and provide UConn a special teams boost.

Illinois impact player on offense: After arriving from Michigan as a graduate transfer, Brandon Peters threw for three touchdowns last week in his Illinois debut and rushed for another. He’s not overly experienced, having mostly played a backup role for the Wolverines, but his debut performance suggests he can provide the typically run-first Illini some of the offensive balance they have previously lacked.

Illinois impact player on defense: Linebacker Jake Hansen did a little bit of everything last week for Illinois. He led the team with seven tackles (five of them solo). He recorded half a sack, as the team racked up six. He recovered a fumble and he snagged his first career interception. In every way, he was front and center in the Illini’s strong defensive showing.

Advertisement

Illinois impact player on special teams: Saturday’s game will feature not one but two impressive punters: UConn’s Luke Magliozzi, as well as Illinois’s Blake Hayes. Hayes, a four-year starter, averaged 43.6 yards per punt last season, fourth in the Big Ten, then averaged 46 over four punts against Akron.

About Illinois’s coach: Football fans best know Lovie Smith from his stints coaching the Chicago Bears (from 2004-12) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-15). He reached the NFL playoffs three times as a head coach and in 2006 led the Bears to the Super Bowl. Smith arrived at Illinois in 2016, and though the Illini have gone only 10-27 under his leadership, he signed a two-year extension last offseason.

Streaks to be snapped: One of two stunning losing streaks will end Saturday. Either UConn will beat an FBS opponent for the first time since October 2017. Or Illinois will pick up its first non-conference road win since way back in 2007.

Big Ten visit: Illinois will be the first Big Ten team to visit Rentschler Field since 2013, when Michigan came to town. The Huskies are 11-26 all-time against teams currently in the Big Ten but will have plenty of opportunities to improve that record in the coming years, with home-and-home series scheduled against Illinois, Indiana and Purdue.

What’s the word: “This is a statement game right here to see where the team goes for the rest of the season.” – UConn receiver Quayvon Skanes